Reading Strategies

College students are expected to be able to read well, read often, read a lot, read critically, read analytically, and read for the purposes of research. Professors expect you not just to comprehend what you read, but to be able to do something with it: talk or write about the material in an engaged and complex fashion, apply information or concepts to a new scenario or problem, or solve a problem you haven’t gone over in class, just to mention a few.

The ACE lab has tutors available to improve reading skills for all ETBU students who wish to enhance their academic abilities and better meet the standards of the university as well as their own educational goals. Individual tutoring and online resources work to strengthen students' comprehension skills.

The ACE Lab in Jarrett Library. Here students can work with knowledgeable and friendly tutors or lab materials that focus on strengthening individual areas of reading comprehension.

or walk-ins are accepted if a tutor is available.

Reading Resources Offered on the Web

Here are a few online resources geared to some of the more common reasons for improving reading skills in college.

Reading ComprehensionReading comprehension is the ability to understand what you have read. In order to understand what you are reading, you must be able to know the vocabulary used, how the text is structured, and even the author's purpose behind the text. The following web pages provide a good definition of reading comprehension and the important reading processes which come together to help you comprehend. A common strategy to improve reading comprehension in a variety of non-fiction texts is offered by Lynchburg College at this link.

Vocabulary DevelopmentThe better vocabulary you have, the better your reading comprehension will be. Vocabulary development is considered by many to be one sure indicator of success in college and in the workforce. The Capital Community College Foundation's website offers not only a wonderful explanation of the need for a well-developed vocabulary, as well as suggestions on how to improve one's vocabulary, but the website also offers fun activities to help the college student improve her or his vocabulary. Also, the website provides links to an online dictionary and thesaurus, two very important resources for the college student in any course.

Active Reading StrategiesKnowing different reading strategies allows you to remember and understand more of what you read. Dartmouth College has several articles and a video that describe several strategies to aid reading comprehension of college material. The website also provides links to suggestions from other universities as well.

Reading OnlineThe internet truly has revolutionized research by providing so much information. Reading on the internet requires the reader to use skill in evaluating what is there. The following link from OWL Purdue offers a process for evaluating internet content. If you're doing research or otherwise attempting to learn about a topic on the internet, consult their website first.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths. (Pro. 3:5-6)